Dockside Retreat

Things to Do

Outdoor Adventures:

  • Punta Gorda Pathways: Explore a 18-mile system of bike and pedestrian trails connecting the city's neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas.

  • Peace River: Enjoy the tranquility of the Peace River, ideal for kayaking, paddling, and fossil hunting.
    • Peace River Charters – Airboat or Swamp Buggy Ride

    • SUP Englewood – Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

  • Charlotte Harbor: Take a boat tour on Charlotte Harbor, especially popular for stunning sunset cruises.
    • King Fisher Fleet – Sightseeing and Sunset Cruises

  • Beaches: While not directly in Punta Gorda, nearby Englewood Beach and Boca Grande offer beautiful beaches for swimming and shelling.
    • Siesta Key and Fort Myers are a little further, but also good options

  • Waterfront and Local Attractions:

  • Harborwalk: Stroll along the 2.5-mile Harborwalk, a hub of activity with restaurants, shops, and the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.

  • Fishermen's Village: A full-service destination resort with shops, restaurants, and waterfront views.

  • Punta Gorda Farmer's Market: Every Saturday, explore local produce, crafts, and more at the weekly farmer's market.

  • Punta Gorda Event Center: Catch a concert, festival, or other event at the Event Center.

  • Other Experiences:

  • Peace River Wildlife Center: Learn about local wildlife at this wildlife center.

  • Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore this sanctuary and see its diverse plant and animal life.

  • Babcock Ranch Preserve: Visit this preserve and explore its diverse habitats.

  • Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: Wander through this beautiful botanical garden featuring sculptures and plant displays.

  • Sea Grape Gallery: Browse a variety of fine art and unique artisan crafts at this cooperative gallery.

  • Restaurants:
    • The Perfect Caper – Fine dining

    • Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante – Great Italian food with outdoor patio

    • Laishley Crab House – Great views, but only okay food

    • Pizza Gorda – Pizza and pasta with outdoor seating

    • Celtic Ray Public House – Irish pub with outdoor patio and live music

    • Toula’s – Casual Greek

    • Burg’r Bar – Casual breakfast and burgers

    • John Ski’s House – No frills diner with a great breakfast

    • Luv my Bagel – Homemade bagels

    • TT’s Tiki Bar – A bar with a similar vibe to our beach, but with more people and live music

    • Icehouse – A big bar that has darts and pool

    • All Star Bar (Port Charlotte) – A dive bar with good wings

    • Working Cow – Great ice cream with a ton of flavors


  • Golf Courses:
    • Heritage Landing – Best in the area

    • Blue Heron (Port Charlotte) – Supposed to be nice

    • Aileron – Private Sunseeker course, but might be able to get on if you call

    • Twin Isles – Not nice, but cheap and normally a lot of availability

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